Time. It’s our most valuable commodity. So why is it that business owners tend to massively undervalue it, by offering freebies?
Freebies send a toxic message
Offering free consultations is an extremely risky marketing strategy. That’s because so-called free offer marketing carries a damaging subtext.
It tells people that you are under-employed. That you have too few clients and too much dead time. This causes prospective clients to wonder why… why you’re not attracting enough new clients or enough paid work from delighted, ongoing clients.
Free consultations, free assessments, free advice, free 30 minute evaluations — they all have one thing in common. FREE.
When you use free as bait, guess what you attract?
Yes, you attract freebie hunters. These never-to-be-clients are attracted to freebies, like moths are attracted to flames. Freebie hunters generally fit into one of the following:
- People who have no intention of paying anyone for advice.
- People who have no way to pay because they’re broke.
Here’s the thing: Neither of those groups provide a fertile marketing environment.
Yes, it’s entirely possible you will attract a paying client by offering freebies. However, you’re unlikely to attract the kind of client you want, deserve or need.
Tip: Read this, it will show you how to market your services effectively, by giving value away.